The term “survival rifle” can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a rifle of last resort, others might see it as more of a backpacking or camping firearm designed to be easily carried into, and out of, the great outdoors.
Almost everyone agrees that a rifle geared toward excelling in the elements should be lightweight and either a take-down rifle that can be broken down and stored in a pack or constructed with a modest-enough overall length to be easily taken anywhere.
In essence, a survival weapon is small enough to be packed away for an emergency or easily carried somewhere on foot while capably filling multiple roles.